FOR YOUR HEALTH: A Virtual Second Opinion Can Be A First-Rate Option

Mike Pressler worried he would lose the active lifestyle he enjoys with his wife, Kathy, when he was told he needed an ostomy bag. A virtual second opinion would make all the difference.

(NAPSI) – A little research led to a big relief for one 70-year-old and his family—and it could help you or someone you care about as well.

One Man’s Story

His physicians told Mike Pressler he needed major surgery to remove an advanced recurrent polyp – a procedure that would leave him with an ostomy bag and threaten his active lifestyle.

As a gym-going, golf-playing 70-year-old retired school administrator who walks regularly and enjoys traveling with his wife, Kathy, Pressler was terrified.

“I was researching hard, trying to figure out any way I could get out of this,” he said.

The Problem

The polyp was non-cancerous, but the cauterization from a previous polyp removal was creating issues.

An Answer

He remembered a friend’s positive experience at Cleveland Clinic, which Pressler noted as having a “stellar reputation.” That led him to seek a virtual second opinion, which he learned he could obtain without leaving his home, through The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic.

Pressler signed up online and was impressed by the virtual second opinion program. They pulled, collected and compiled his medical records on his behalf, saving him time and effort. Soon after, the care team matched Pressler with Dr. David Liska, Chair of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, who then consulted with Dr. I. Emre Gorgun, a top robotic surgery specialist. Dr. Gorgun was confident he could remove the polyp without Pressler needing an ostomy.

Within just 10 days of starting the second opinion process, Pressler was scheduled for a new, less invasive procedure. That’s a common occurrence with this program, where 67% of virtual second opinions recommend a diagnosis or treatment plan change.

Before the surgery, there was one potential hiccup. Radiology at Cleveland Clinic reviewed his existing MRI and CAT scan, and they were concerned there might be cancer after all, which prompted a sigmoidoscopy and biopsy to make sure.

“Dr. Liska calls me and says, ‘We’ve got to take a time out here.’ Now I’m kind of bummed again,” Pressler said.

The biopsy would prove to be a temporary roadblock and came back as non-cancerous. The surgery proceeded as planned and Pressler is back to working out, playing golf and traveling with his wife.

“The whole experience was totally positive from start to finish,” Pressler said. “From the intake nurse to the doctors and people behind the desks on the first floor. They are all exceptional in my experience.”

Why Get A Virtual Second Opinion

Sixty-seven percent of virtual second opinions recommend a diagnosis or treatment plan change. You may benefit from a second opinion if you:

• Have been diagnosed with a serious or rare health condition (a diagnosis is required for a second opinion).
• Have a condition that is not improving or is getting worse despite treatment.
• Have been told a health condition is not treatable.
• Are considering a treatment that involves significant risks, such as surgery.
• Need guidance choosing from multiple treatment options.
• Want confirmation about a diagnosis or treatment.

How It Works

Step 1: Registration and Live Intake with a Nurse Care Manager. They’ll take it from there and get you on your path to peace of mind.

Step 2: Records Collection and Expedited Matching. The Clinic does all the work of collecting your medical records, then matches you with a Cleveland Clinic Specialist in just a few days.

Step 3: Expert Second Opinion. Following an optional virtual visit with the Cleveland Clinic physician, your second opinion will be delivered via a written report.

Pressler urges other patients to visit The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic at www.clinicbyclevelandclinic.com/lp/vso/ and tap into Cleveland Clinic’s specialized expertise. Those who use promo code 2NDLOOK15 can get a discount on their virtual second opinion.